UK TREND: Twitter’s response to NHS Workforce Plan

فريق التحرير 1 July 2023

In England, a comprehensive NHS workforce plan spanning 151 pages has been unveiled, outlining measures to train a more significant number of doctors and nurses. The plan includes a doubling of university placements for medical students, the introduction of a new apprenticeship scheme for doctors, and the potential for shorter medical degree programs.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the long-awaited workforce plan as a “historic” achievement that required careful consideration and development.

NHS Workforce Plan

However, critics express concerns that the plan overlooks the pressing issue of poor working conditions within the NHS, which could undermine its effectiveness. One notable omission is the failure to address the prevailing problem of low pay. In response to the plan, the public has taken to Twitter, where discussions about it have gained momentum with the hashtag #NHSWorkforcePlan trending.

Nurses have criticised the #NHSWorkforcePlan for not properly addressing retention or including a plan on how a pledge to introduce tens of thousands of extra nurse training places will be delivered.

Do you think it will help boost nurse numbers?https://t.co/O63p8zjWos pic.twitter.com/780ydzZZmw

— Nursing Standard (@NurseStandard) June 30, 2023

The plan has faced criticism for neglecting a vital aspect: fair pay. Commentators have stressed that the absence of adequate wages renders the rest of the plan futile, as it is unlikely to incentivize individuals to pursue training or remain in the system under such unfavorable financial conditions.

Missing one vital part, paying them. The rest is pointless since no one will train or stay for such terrible wages.

But at least they can say they tried?

Well no because we know it is bollocks, RT to make sure everyone knows.

#NHSWorkforcePlan pic.twitter.com/l7lO7ZjwbE

— BladeoftheSun (@BladeoftheS) June 30, 2023

Users have expressed a sense of relief that the plan has finally been released, but their satisfaction is tempered by significant concerns. They highlight the plan’s failure to tackle critical problems such as retention challenges, insufficient funding, and various other pressing issues.

Great the #NHSWorkforcePlan has finally been published, but glaring concerns:

– nothing on social care
– apprenticeship model to become doctors is ludicrous
– doesn't address the severe retention issue
– additional Uni places, needs more hospital & GP placements
– funding?

— True & Fair Party (@VoteTrueAndFair) June 30, 2023

Moreover, people have expressed their belief that the extensive yet underfunded NHS Workforce plan will not effectively address the ongoing crisis in the healthcare system. According to their tweets, the fundamental solution lies in retaining healthcare professionals, which necessitates the complete restoration of pay for junior doctors and the resolution of pay issues concerning consultants. They contend that anything less than these measures would be insufficient and may even result in the creation of a two-tier health service.

The largely unfunded #NHSWorkforcePlan is not going to fix the #NHScrisis

Retention is the only solution

That’s why we need full #PayRestoration for Junior Doctors & to #FixConsultantsPay

Anything other than this falls short & potentially takes us to a two-tier health service

— Andrew Jordan (@Andrew_Jordan_) June 30, 2023

This 15 year workforce plan is not fully funded. The £2.4bn for new training doesn't cover the increased salaries – there is a huge revenue bill the NHS will need funding as these roles come through. The plan is more aspiration than a plan of how it will be done #NHSWorkforcePlan https://t.co/MuNYI11GsB

— Shaun Lintern (@ShaunLintern) June 30, 2023

Twitter users have tweeted their belief that the current plans reveal a lack of trust in the Conservatives’ commitment to the safety of the NHS, suggesting that only a fool would think otherwise.

Today our Prime Minister tried to convince you to ignore your eyes & ears.

To forget that which you’ve experienced first hand.

He’s no better than Johnson.

The NHS most certainly is not safe with the Tories and only a fool would think it is.#nhs #NHSWorkforcePlan #bullshit

— The Grit (@theGrit_music) June 30, 2023